USB-C to 3.5mm adapters (DAC) - Let's find the best

[originalsnuffy]

Are you guys ever concerned about the usb-c connections getting damaged in your pocket?

I'm looking at dongles now that my LG g7 is on its deathbed, but I'm worried about damaging both dongle and phone if their cables jutting out and wiggling around everyday. Can anyone comment on their durability in this regard?

I found that purchasing a higher quality OTG cable from ddHifi really helped out with portable dongle use. This one does not come loose easily and because it is short it is easy to manage the phone, dongle, and USB C cable. I originally thought upgraded cables were a poor investment but now I see the merits. My cable (they have a few) separates the data from the power. I doubt that helps but the cable is very solid so that is worth something.

 

[Jmop]

Cayin RU6/7 still good buys right now for a warm sound? U6 would be fine but I keep reading reports of it sounding rather unrefined, and U7 some say gets too hot.

 

[Ichos]

Dear friends here is my iFi GO link Max review for anyone interested. This is the most compact sized USB DAC dongle I know with both true balanced and single-ended outputs

It doesn't have any bells and whistles but it offers good sound quality and plenty of power in portable and lightweight design. Just like a real portable USB DAC dongle should be.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ifi-audio-go-link-max.27729/review/37481/

 

[originalsnuffy]

Cayin RU6/7 still good buys right now for a warm sound? U6 would be fine but I keep reading reports of it sounding rather unrefined, and U7 some say gets too hot.

I have seen reports that the RU6 can pick up cell phone noise so it is worth looking into that.

I think the RU7 is magical sounding. Only issue is that is runs a bit hot after extended use. I don't think of the sound signature as warm however. I regard it as neutral but that is a good thing. I have heard the RU6 might be viewed as warm but I have no direct experience there.

 

[Qualcheduno]

Hello everyone, I want to buy my first dongle dac, but my stuck in analysis-paralysis between all the choices availables. I managed to somewhat slim it down to the following:
- questyle m15c
- onix alpha
- ibasso dc07 pro
- questyle m15/m15i
I will use it mainly to drive my Focal Clears and Elysian Pilgrims, so I'd like to know if it's worth to spend the extra money on the latter two. I'm also open to suggestions that I might have not considered in the same price range. Thank you!

 

[originalsnuffy]

There is a great piece on you tube going through chip architectures and associated amps at various price points. Think it was Crinnacle. Very interesting stuff

 

[Jmop]

Went RU6 from Ali for $140, good price I think, will be interesting how it compares to my HiBy RS2.

 

[Hal Rockwell]

Here's another CS43131-based dongle, and this time, from trn - the Black Pearl.

 

[Ichos]

For anyone interested, here is my Questyle M18i review. Underwhelming battery duration and lack of features but really great audio performance.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/questyle-m18i.27933/review/37538/

 

[Jistor]

JCALLY AP20

Bộ DAC/AMP di động có kết nối cân bằng 2,5mm, đầu đơn 3,5mm và đầu cân bằng 4,4mm. Nó sử dụng chip DAC CS43131 kép và chip khuếch đại SA9312L. Nó có pin 750mAH và đầu ra lên đến 330mW cho mỗi kênh ở mức tải 32 ohms từ đầu nối 4,4mm.

https://hifigo.com/products/jcally-ap20?variant=43990499328239

Lựa chọn rất thú vị với giá 56 đô la.

Hi, I know it's been a while, but can I ask if there's any certainty that the ap20 has 330mw@32ohm per channel via the 4.4mm port? The seller and hifigo customer service both say 165mw+165mw@32ohm....

 

[originalsnuffy]

Hi, I know it's been a while, but can I ask if there's any certainty that the ap20 has 330mw@32ohm per channel via the 4.4mm port? The seller and hifigo customer service both say 165mw+165mw@32ohm....

I don't know much about the unit, but I would observe that 165x2=330

 

[povidlo]

another random, run-of-the-mill dongle (SonicMemory SA500).......inspired by an air conditioner. marketing department must've worked overtime on this.

 

[pioterd]

I want to buy my first dongle dac, but my stuck in analysis-paralysis

Onix Alpha and Fiio KA15 are great choices performance/price, IMO no need to spend more. If you can live with cable attached, even GoLink MAX shall end all your paralysis, or Shanling UA2plus with detachable cable, but it’s mainly up to you. Soundwise - all are really great and will easily drive your headphones.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Onix Alpha and Fiio KA15 are great choices performance/price, IMO no need to spend more. If you can live with cable attached, even GoLink MAX shall end all your paralysis, or Shanling UA2plus with detachable cable, but it’s mainly up to you. Soundwise - all are really great and will easily drive your headphones.

Thanks for the vote!!

FYI if anyone is going to AXPONA inn Chicago we will be doing an "old school" raffle ticket give away for the GO Link MAX!

Grab a ticket from our booth!

Giving away 1 each day!

No purchase necessary... Yada yada yada

Cheers!!

 

[Qualcheduno]

Onix Alpha and Fiio KA15 are great choices performance/price, IMO no need to spend more. If you can live with cable attached, even GoLink MAX shall end all your paralysis, or Shanling UA2plus with detachable cable, but it’s mainly up to you. Soundwise - all are really great and will easily drive your headphones.

I ended up buying a used DC07 pro at a very good price, and I'm really satisfied with it, but thanks!